We heard earlier this week that Cuban free agent outfielder Rusney Castillo was “moving quickly” toward signing with a team and now Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston reports that the Red Sox and Tigers “appear to be the front-runners.” He’s expected to make a decision no later than the weekend.

Castillo, 27, had a showcase late last month which was attended by representatives from 28 MLB teams. FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported this morning that he has since had private workouts with eight teams, including the Red Sox, Tigers, Cubs, Yankees, Phillies, Giants, Mariners, and Reds.

Known for his plus-speed, Castillo is expected to command a contract north of Yasiel Puig‘s $42 million deal with the Dodgers. It’s believed that he could make his way to the major leagues as soon as this season depending on where he ends up.

Since there’s no need to trade Bradley in order to make a free agent signing, no.

You aren’t familiar with how free agent signings work, eh?

dan1111 - Aug 22, 2014 at 6:57 AM

@Proudly, on the contrary, the Sox appear to think playing multiple center fielders in the outfield is the new inefficiency. Last season they often had an all-center-fielder outfield. In 2011 the top four outfielders in their depth chart were all capable center fielders.

no, but i just know they signed him to a huge contract. kid is a stud can play center, left, right, SS (no need cause X), but when there is huge upside/talent, you don’t pass up cause of a prospect who’s still finding his way

I heard this guy isn’t known for his glove, has an OK bat, and speed to burn. Sounds a lot like Rajai Davis, no? If he’s not an clear upgrade over the Davis/Carrera platoon, I don’t think the Tigers should commit the salary. Especially Puig money for an unproven player. However, Dombrowski is in desperation mode, so he’ll probably be starting by the time the Royals are back in town.

I’m still not sure why foreign players aren’t subject to the draft. Someone can likely cite the rules, but I mean more in the sense of fairness. Why are US players subject to the draft and limited contracts, yet we see Cuban and Japanese players cashing in? In his case, he’s older, so may have already played professionally, but that isn’t the case with all Cuban players.

If there were an age limit, I could understand. And, can see your point as far as Castillo’s current situation, as he is 27.

But, what about other foreign players, such as Puig? He is only 23 now, so he wouldn’t have been any older than other college players and they are subject to the draft, and not becoming free agents until later. Seems like everyone should be subject to the same rules, regardless of where they came from. And, if that means an age limit for the draft, or any other rule, that’s fine as long as they apply to everyone equally. But, I’m sure we are about 2 replies from someone pulling politics into this, so I’ll quit asking now.